The GW4 Generator Fund has been invaluable, providing our new team with the results needed to expand our research across the UK. It’s also helped team members build strong connections, which has been excellent for networking. For me, as an early career researcher, it’s been a fantastic opportunity for professional development.”
Generator Fund
Generator Fund – Now Open!
The GW4 Building Communities Generator Fund is an open research call offering up to £20k to support collaborative research and innovation communities across the four GW4 universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.
Now in its seventh year, this initiative supports both the creation of new GW4 communities and the development of the strongest ideas emerging from our existing communities. The fund is an open call in any area of research or innovation, with the purpose of addressing a major research or societal challenge.
Applications from Early Career Research (ECR) communities are particularly welcome and supported. Generator funding can be used as a stand-alone award or in conjunction with other sources of funding. Communities are encouraged to use the scheme as a step towards applying for external funding.
Visit ‘Our Communities’ webpages to see examples of our previously funded communities
To apply for the Generator Fund:
- Application form: Please download and complete the application form, sending your completed submission to communities@gw4.ac.uk
- Application guidance: For guidance and support on completing your application, please review our application guidance document.
- Guidance webinar: In this webinar, our Building Communities Manager, Dr Sarah-Louise Dietz, will give a detailed overview on how to complete your application form – including best practice, top-tips and some common pitfalls. We highly recommend that you take the time to watch this webinar, ensuring that you have also read the application guidance form. We recommend that you view this on YouTube, where you will also be able to navigate to specific sections, and watch with subtitles, if required.
- Applications close on Monday 2nd February 2026, with successful projects running for 6-months from June through to November 2026.
To discuss your application, or for any further questions and guidance, please email Dr Sarah-Louise Dietz, GW4 Building Communities Manager, at communities@gw4.ac.uk
Please look at our Development Awards which can be used to support community activities and are open year-round.
